Libyan rebels involved in abuses

Published July 13th, 2011 - 14:51 GMT

Libyan rebels have been involved in looting, arson and the abuse of civilians, Human Rights Watch alleged on Wednesday.

Libyan rebels have been involved in looting, arson and the abuse of civilians, Human Rights Watch alleged on Wednesday. The group said it "witnessed some of these acts, interviewed witnesses to others, and spoke with a rebel commander about the abuses."

According to AFP, the abuses were said to have taken place in June and July as rebel forces pushed through the Nafusa Mountains to the south of Tripoli.

"In four towns captured by rebels in the Nafusa Mountains over the past month, rebel fighters and supporters have damaged property, burned some homes, looted from hospitals, homes, and shops, and beaten some individuals alleged to have supported government forces," said HRW.

"The rebel authorities have a duty to protect civilians and their property, especially hospitals, and discipline anyone responsible for looting or other abuse," said the organization's Joe Stork.

The group said locals reported at least one person was shot in the foot by rebel troops.